Wapello school board schedules two budget hearings and sets calendar public hearing

The Wapello Community School District board voted to schedule two public hearings on the district's certified budget and set a public hearing on next school year's calendar, the board said at its regular meeting.

A presenter laid out a two-step schedule for the budget: an informational public hearing on April 2 and a second hearing on April 23 followed by a short special meeting to adopt the budget, if ready. The board discussed publication deadlines and the need to leave time for public comment and revisions before final adoption. The presenter said timing would allow staff to gather auditor input and adjust the proposed levy and final figures if necessary.

Members also reviewed the proposed 2024-25 calendar, including recurring Wednesday early-outs and a shorter spring-break option the staff committee favored. Several members said the calendar committee included certified and non-certified staff and that the draft reflected committee preferences; other members urged broader input and said more review could happen during the scheduled public hearing. The board formally moved and approved setting the calendar public hearing; the hearing remains an opportunity for changes before final adoption.

The board did not adopt a final certified budget at the meeting but set the process and dates for public review. The special meeting on April 23 was described as the expected opportunity to adopt the certified budget after the second hearing, subject to publication and auditor timelines.